Member's Press Release

President Cole

CHARLESTON – Senate President Bill Cole, R-Mercer, issued the following statement about today's vote on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act:

"One of the truly beautiful things about West Virginia is that we are the kind of people who take care of each other. I am against discrimination in any form – be it because of religion, race, sexual orientation, or any other reason. And, I believe every person should have the right to freely practice his or her faith free of government intervention.

This legislation today failed to reach a majority in the Senate because all sides of the issue had serious concerns about the protections of their rights. Going forward, I hope we can come together as West Virginians, and treat each other with kindness and understanding."